The Long Winters

Vampire Squid From Hell. Oh yes, that's his scientific name.

Vampire Squid From Hell. Oh yes, that's his scientific name.

Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 6:15 am

by Betty Felon

Really:

Vampyroteuthis infernalis, lit. "vampire squid from hell"

"V. infernalis is most commonly known for its jet-black skin, the “cape” webbed skin between the arms and eyes that appear blood red at times. It has excellent predator avoidance behavior, including the ability to invert itself, exposing suckers and cirri, making it look as though it is covered in spines.

V. infernalis also has light organs on the tip of each arm and at the base of its fins. The animal will begin to glow and wiggle about while also expelling mucus containing “thousands of glowing spheres of blue bioluminescent light.” While this mucus is being expelled, the vampire squid escapes."